Musical footballers

Former Norwich City player Dion Dublin invented the Dube, a type of percussion drum, in 2006. This summer he released a song to support England in the World Cup, called Winner in You. It was recorded by the Nottingham-based indie band that he manages called The Establishment, and was a cover of the New Radicals song You Get What You Give.

Former Canaries forward Leon McKenzie, pictured, retired from the game in 2011 to pursue his musical dreams. He has since collaborated with former So Solid Crew rapper MC Harvey.

One-time England manager Glenn Hoddle and former international Chris Waddle released a single under the name Glenn and Chris. Diamond Lights peaked at number 12 in the charts in 1987.

Andy Cole released a single called Outstanding in 1999. The cover of The Gap Band’s 1982 song of the same name was anything but, failing to break into the UK Top 40.

Newcastle United icon Paul Gascoigne released Fog on the Tyne (Revisited) in 1990. The heavily re-worked version of the track by English rock band Lindisfarne climbed to number two in the charts.

Striker-turned-MK-Dons-coach Ian Wright released a single called Do The Right Thing in 1993. The song, co-written and produced by Chris Lowe of Pet Shop Boys, reached number 43 in the charts.

Former England manager Kevin Keegan’s song Head Over Heels in Love reached number 31 in the UK charts in 1979. It had climbed to number 10 in Germany, where Keegan was playing for Hamburg. His second single called England failed to chart.

But it seems that Ryan Bennett might have his eye on signing another deal.

The 24-year-old has been drawing praise on the internet after posting clips on YouTube of him singing and playing the guitar – even claiming that it has led to interest from record labels.

Bennett, an avid user of social media, has previously tweeted photos of his acoustic guitars and invited other musicians to jam in an improvised session.

Among his covers are Make You Feel My Love by Adele and You Need Me, I Don’t Need You by Ed Sheeran.

He has also recorded his own interpretations of friends’ songs, including an acoustic reworking of a track called Broken by Essex-based Ashley Reyes Brown. The original version was a grime track – an offshoot of the UK urban music scene.

“Will record proper version soon was just working a chord pattern out and messing around with it,” wrote Bennett.

Praised for his voice and guitar playing by one fan, he wrote: “Well that’s my secret out anyway! #guitar and singing”

His YouTube videos have drawn a mixed response from fans, with many complimenting his musical abilities, others hoping that he does not choose music over football. In a string of posts – with tongue apparently in cheek – he claimed he was pondering an approach by music industry figures, first stating “1 album deal offer dunno wether to do it or not. [sic]”